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Otterhound

Description: The Otterhound is a
large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and
dignity. They have a strong body and long striding action fit for a long
day's work. They have an extremely sensitive nose, and are inquisitive and
perseverant in investigating scents. Their scenting skills are almost the
same as that of the Bloodhound. They are somewhat shaggy, with medium length
fur and wheaten, tan or black in color. They have long drop ears and a friendly
disposition. The Otterhound is known for their big sloppy kisses and soft
hearts. They make an excellent family companion though sometimes they may
think they are a lap dog. Otterhounds were once used for hunting otter,
but their name no longer applies today. But they still retain strong instincts
to follow scents outside and track down different animals. The Otterhound
is a stubborn and independent breed, and will not easily do as you say.
They are athletic, happy and do fine in a kennel. They can become destructive
if they are not properly trained. Otterhounds love water and love to be
around people.

Colors: All
hound colors appear and are permissible. They are generally colored grizzle,
wheaten, black and tan, liver and tan or tricolor.Coat:Long, dense,
rough and harsh, but not wiry. They have a woolly undercoat, and an oily
waterproof outer coat. The fur is medium length, and hard and crisp to the
touch.

Temperament:
Otterhounds are athletic, independent, boisterous and friendly. They are
very stubborn and can become destructive if not trained. This breed is okay
to be kenneled, though many Otterhounds live indoors nowadays. Otterhounds
have incredibly good noses, and love to use them to search out scents when
they are outside. They are good with children and other dogs, and enjoy
being with people. They are rather cheerful and content to do as they please,
although they are very devoted to their masters. They like to bark and to
roam, but are very enthusiastic.With Children: Yes, they are affectionate
with children.With Pets: Yes, Otterhounds are a pack
animal by nature but need to be socialized to cats, as they used to be used
to hunt otters.Special Skills: Hound and family pet.

Watch-dog: High.Guard-dog: Low.

Care and Exercise:
Moderate brushing is required for the Otterhound's double,
shaggy coat. Their coat should also be stripped occasionally. Ears, teeth
and nails need attention occasionally. Exercise should consists of daily
walks, play, plenty of space to run and an occasional swim.Training: They need a soft
but consistent hand as they are not the most obedient dog. Learning Rate: Low. Obedience - Medium.
Problem Solving - Low.

Activity:Indoors -
Low. Outdoors - High. When given a scent or a trail, these dogs become very
active and engaged.Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard,
grooming and a leash.Living Environment: A home with a fenced
yard is essential, as they like to roam and to bark. Though they do better
in a country environment. Regular exercise is a must and should include
the opportunity to swim. An owner of a Otterhound needs to be confident,
assertive, dominant and have the time to train them in some type of job
whether it be hunting, agility or tracking.

Health Issues:
Hip dysplasia, bleeding disorders, seizures and bloat. Bloat is a health
issue to most dogs, being the largest killer of all breeds except for cancer.
It affects most dogs, but Otterhounds can be more susceptible to it because
of their deep chests. Bloat is also known as twisted stomach or gastric
torsion.

Life Span:12 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 7 - 10 puppies.

Country of Origin:
Great BritainHistory: There is no definitive
answer to the origin of this breed, but it is said the Otterhound may have
originated from the Bulldog, the Harrier, the Water Spaniel and Bloodhound
and possibly the wolf. They are also thought to be descended from the French
Nivernais Griffon. The first written record of this breed is from the reign
of Edward II (1307 - 1327) where it is mentioned that this type of dog was
used in packs to hunt otter. The breed was imported to Britain before 1870,
and after 1870 the Comte le Couteuix de Canteleu gave a whole pack of this
breed to the British Richard Carnaby Forster, who then gave them to his
daughter. His daughter, Lady Mary Hamilton, in turn sold the dogs in 1906
as "Hamilton Otterhounds". The current breed was developed in England. Otterhounds
were used for, obviously, hunting otters. They would jump into cold rivers
to go after an otter, while the hunter followed the swishing of the water
from the dog. The breed has such a good nose that it is just under the skills
of the Bloodhound. After otter hunting was banned, however, the breed lost
its original purpose and a kennel was set up in Britain to preserve the
breed. This was the Otterhound Club, set up by the Master of the Kendal
and District Otterhounds in the Lake District of Britain. They made their
way to America in the early 1900s. Currently, they have served as a pet
and show dog.

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